degenerative myelopathy of the rear legs?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ybba · 11-10-2010, 04:30 PM

It has been a long, long time since I have posted but now I am in desperate need of advice.
Are any members familar with DM (degenerative myelopathy); a disease usually seen in large breed dogs? My beloved Kobi, (age 12 1/2) began showing symptoms approx 1 year ago of weakness, unsteady gait, knuckling in his rear legs. An MRI revealed a disc disorder which resulted in surgery by an orthopedic specialist...a hemilaminectomy. The prognosis was VERY guarded but he seemed to improve slightly. As time progressed he is getting much weaker, falls when walking, and his gait worsens. He crosses his back legs, knuckles and is reluctant to move. When I read the symptoms of DM...it sounds exactly what my Kobi is exhibiting.
I am scheduled to see a neurologist on Mon, 11/15 in Phildelphia PA. I started swimmimg him in the bathtub (3 minutes) and have ordered a K9 cart...to be delivered in 1 week.
I need HELP from the GROUP. Please...has anyone experienced this? I am desperate for advice and suggestions to make his life as comfortable as I can. He means EVERYTHING to me. I am crying as I type. I am proud to be part of this forum. If advice is out there...I know it will come from all of YOU.
Thank you
Abby

kalina82 · 11-10-2010, 04:50 PM

I'm sorry to hear he has those issues with his rear legs. You are doing the right thing by taking him to a neurologist. they should be able to help or at least let you know of anything you can do to help him out. A cart is probably a good idea if his front legs are still strong.

kalina82 · 11-10-2010, 04:53 PM

are you going to UPenn to see the specialist?

Ybba · 11-10-2010, 06:17 PM

Thank you for your response. His front legs are moderately strong. It is hard to tell when his back end is so weak.
Abby

Ybba · 11-10-2010, 06:18 PM

Yes, I am going to the University of PA. Thanks for your attention.

Patti · 11-10-2010, 07:16 PM

I am not familiar with it but hope the neurologist can help Kobi.

AllDogBoots · 11-10-2010, 08:51 PM

I am second handedly familiar with this as many of my customers have larger breed dogs that have degenerative myelopathy. It is most commonly associated in German Shepherds although it does rarely occur in smaller breeds. From what I have heard, it is not painful for the dog, and the dog does not even realize that he is struggling. It's more painful for the owners of the dogs. I believe it looks much worse to you than it really is. Your dog is not hurting at all.

I'm happy to donate a set of shoes that will help your Kobi to walk a little bit better on the back legs if he is indeed dragging his legs and scraping against the floor. These shoes also can help keep his ankles and paws straight to avoid any type of curvitures or crossing when walking, or even help him to get up off the floor if that has become a problem.

I'm hoping he can get some relief. I'm so sorry you are going through this.

ladyjane · 11-10-2010, 10:47 PM

I have not had any experience with this. I hope that the vet at Penn can help your Kobi.
Karen, that is very sweet of you to offer shoes for him!

Ybba · 11-12-2010, 04:08 PM

ALLDOGBOOTS
Thank you so much for your post. I would Love to purchase a pair of your dog boots. Your suggestion is so VERY, VERY much appreciated and kind. Just having you offer hope brightens my day. I have been feeling so devastated, your post uplifted me. Not only for Kobi but also for me.
He still tries to give 100%. Since he can no longer sleep on the couch (jumping up and down), I have placed a Futon in front of the couch so that I can sleep with him. That way if he needs anything thru the night, I am right there.
Could you send me a PM so that I can purchase the boots and have them shipped to my home. I only wish I could express how DEEPLY your post helped me.
Thank you for your kindness and support.

AllDogBoots · 11-12-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ybba

ALLDOGBOOTS
Thank you so much for your post. I would Love to purchase a pair of your dog boots. Your suggestion is so VERY, VERY much appreciated and kind. Just having you offer hope brightens my day. I have been feeling so devastated, your post uplifted me. Not only for Kobi but also for me.
He still tries to give 100%. Since he can no longer sleep on the couch (jumping up and down), I have placed a Futon in front of the couch so that I can sleep with him. That way if he needs anything thru the night, I am right there.
Could you send me a PM so that I can purchase the boots and have them shipped to my home. I only wish I could express how DEEPLY your post helped me.
Thank you for your kindness and support.

I'm glad I can make you feel a little better. I'll PM you now.

Ybba · 11-12-2010, 04:12 PM

For all the YT members
Thank you for your words of concern. I pray that the neurologist will have some thoughts that can help my baby Kobi. Will post after I see him on Monday. Your support is deeply felt in my heart. I love you all.

yorkiemalt · 11-12-2010, 04:36 PM

poor Kobi. I hope the neurologists at the hospital can help him. Do you know which neurologist you're scheduled to see? My daughter is there now completing her 4th year of Veterinary School. I know she'll still be on her orthopaedic rotation but if you can give me more info maybe I can have her stop by.

Lizzie07 · 11-13-2010, 10:24 AM

My regular veterinarian has had two shepards with DM, the first one that had it was pretty young, six or seven and started knocking all the bars down in the agility ring. This was about ten years ago. It took Diane a while and even a few specialists to figure out what was going one. One of her current shepards, Tenor, has it too. She has him on a variety of meds, including some homeopathic supplements. Also, she does accupunture and is treating him with that too. You can tell something is not right with Tenor, but he is still walking on his own. Cresendo ended up in the cart a lot sooner and eventually his front legs started going.

You might consider getting on a german shepard discussion board and find out what is working for owners whose dog has it. They may even be able to give you the name of specialists to treat it, like they do here with LS.

Tenor is 12 now, and I think I first heard he had DM at least 3 yrs ago, so there's hope for your little guy. Diane does swim therapy with Tenor too, btw.

My thoughts are with Kobi and you.

gemy · 11-13-2010, 11:41 AM

Yes I do recommend swimming my boy Magic Large breed was ddx'd with DLSS> Degenerative Lumbo sacral syndrome. We manage his condition with swimming and underwater treadmill work. This is not the same condition your boy is suffering from though.

Moving the rear joints through range of motion is important to try and help keep up the muscular tone. Consider and ask about with the neuro, physiotherapy and tens machine for rear muscle tone.

Great idea to join a GS board, they deal with this a lot.

Also consider the herbal supplements, hopefully that board will have recommendations, but at a minimum glucosamine and chondrotin. This is for the front joints mainly as they will bear the brunt of load bearing as your dog rises from a seated or laying down position.

Now range of motion exercises are not complicated at all. It involves you picking up the back leg, moving gently the leg back and forth, this exercises the hip joint. then you switch to a hold underneath the knee, and bend the knee back and forth, then to the ankle and the same movement. Try a dozen rep's at each joint.

Ask the neuro, if there is also a compressive syndrome going on. Did they do a muscle biopsy to ddx the degenerative myleopathy? Has your boy had an MRI?

Sorry for all the questions, but lots can be done. I wish you and your boy the best, and he can and will have many happy years left.

Love

Ybba · 11-13-2010, 06:18 PM

YorkieMalt
What a wonderful, generous suggestion to have your daughter look for me and Kobi. My appt is Monday, Nov 15th at 11:30, University of PA, Mathew Ryan Vet Hospital. I do not know the name of the neurologist. I am a nurse, you would have thought I would have asked the question...I just am so upset about his symptoms. Please tell your daughter that I SO VERY MUCH appreciate the kindness...even if she can't be there just the offering says EVERYTHING.

11-10-2010, 04:30 PM	#1
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	degenerative myelopathy of the rear legs?? It has been a long, long time since I have posted but now I am in desperate need of advice. Are any members familar with DM (degenerative myelopathy); a disease usually seen in large breed dogs? My beloved Kobi, (age 12 1/2) began showing symptoms approx 1 year ago of weakness, unsteady gait, knuckling in his rear legs. An MRI revealed a disc disorder which resulted in surgery by an orthopedic specialist...a hemilaminectomy. The prognosis was VERY guarded but he seemed to improve slightly. As time progressed he is getting much weaker, falls when walking, and his gait worsens. He crosses his back legs, knuckles and is reluctant to move. When I read the symptoms of DM...it sounds exactly what my Kobi is exhibiting. I am scheduled to see a neurologist on Mon, 11/15 in Phildelphia PA. I started swimmimg him in the bathtub (3 minutes) and have ordered a K9 cart...to be delivered in 1 week. I need HELP from the GROUP. Please...has anyone experienced this? I am desperate for advice and suggestions to make his life as comfortable as I can. He means EVERYTHING to me. I am crying as I type. I am proud to be part of this forum. If advice is out there...I know it will come from all of YOU. Thank you Abby

11-10-2010, 04:50 PM	#2
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	I'm sorry to hear he has those issues with his rear legs. You are doing the right thing by taking him to a neurologist. they should be able to help or at least let you know of anything you can do to help him out. A cart is probably a good idea if his front legs are still strong. __________________ Kellie and Morgan

11-10-2010, 04:53 PM	#3
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	are you going to UPenn to see the specialist? __________________ Kellie and Morgan

11-10-2010, 07:16 PM	#6
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I am not familiar with it but hope the neurologist can help Kobi. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

11-10-2010, 08:51 PM	#7
AllDogBoots Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 7,984	I am second handedly familiar with this as many of my customers have larger breed dogs that have degenerative myelopathy. It is most commonly associated in German Shepherds although it does rarely occur in smaller breeds. From what I have heard, it is not painful for the dog, and the dog does not even realize that he is struggling. It's more painful for the owners of the dogs. I believe it looks much worse to you than it really is. Your dog is not hurting at all. I'm happy to donate a set of shoes that will help your Kobi to walk a little bit better on the back legs if he is indeed dragging his legs and scraping against the floor. These shoes also can help keep his ankles and paws straight to avoid any type of curvitures or crossing when walking, or even help him to get up off the floor if that has become a problem. I'm hoping he can get some relief. I'm so sorry you are going through this. __________________ I'm Karen - Devoted Mama to the Drama Boyz - Cooper & Max www.alldogboots.com

11-10-2010, 06:17 PM	#4
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	Thank you for your response. His front legs are moderately strong. It is hard to tell when his back end is so weak. Abby

11-10-2010, 06:18 PM	#5
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	Yes, I am going to the University of PA. Thanks for your attention.

11-10-2010, 10:47 PM	#8
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I have not had any experience with this. I hope that the vet at Penn can help your Kobi. Karen, that is very sweet of you to offer shoes for him! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-12-2010, 04:08 PM	#9
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	ALLDOGBOOTS Thank you so much for your post. I would Love to purchase a pair of your dog boots. Your suggestion is so VERY, VERY much appreciated and kind. Just having you offer hope brightens my day. I have been feeling so devastated, your post uplifted me. Not only for Kobi but also for me. He still tries to give 100%. Since he can no longer sleep on the couch (jumping up and down), I have placed a Futon in front of the couch so that I can sleep with him. That way if he needs anything thru the night, I am right there. Could you send me a PM so that I can purchase the boots and have them shipped to my home. I only wish I could express how DEEPLY your post helped me. Thank you for your kindness and support.

11-12-2010, 04:12 PM	#11
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	For all the YT members Thank you for your words of concern. I pray that the neurologist will have some thoughts that can help my baby Kobi. Will post after I see him on Monday. Your support is deeply felt in my heart. I love you all.

11-12-2010, 04:36 PM	#12
yorkiemalt Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 3,468	poor Kobi. I hope the neurologists at the hospital can help him. Do you know which neurologist you're scheduled to see? My daughter is there now completing her 4th year of Veterinary School. I know she'll still be on her orthopaedic rotation but if you can give me more info maybe I can have her stop by. __________________ KimPhoebiChandler

11-13-2010, 10:24 AM	#13
Lizzie07 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ball Ground, GA Posts: 1,262	My regular veterinarian has had two shepards with DM, the first one that had it was pretty young, six or seven and started knocking all the bars down in the agility ring. This was about ten years ago. It took Diane a while and even a few specialists to figure out what was going one. One of her current shepards, Tenor, has it too. She has him on a variety of meds, including some homeopathic supplements. Also, she does accupunture and is treating him with that too. You can tell something is not right with Tenor, but he is still walking on his own. Cresendo ended up in the cart a lot sooner and eventually his front legs started going. You might consider getting on a german shepard discussion board and find out what is working for owners whose dog has it. They may even be able to give you the name of specialists to treat it, like they do here with LS. Tenor is 12 now, and I think I first heard he had DM at least 3 yrs ago, so there's hope for your little guy. Diane does swim therapy with Tenor too, btw. My thoughts are with Kobi and you. __________________ Kristan Lizzy's mom

11-13-2010, 11:41 AM	#14
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Yes I do recommend swimming my boy Magic Large breed was ddx'd with DLSS> Degenerative Lumbo sacral syndrome. We manage his condition with swimming and underwater treadmill work. This is not the same condition your boy is suffering from though. Moving the rear joints through range of motion is important to try and help keep up the muscular tone. Consider and ask about with the neuro, physiotherapy and tens machine for rear muscle tone. Great idea to join a GS board, they deal with this a lot. Also consider the herbal supplements, hopefully that board will have recommendations, but at a minimum glucosamine and chondrotin. This is for the front joints mainly as they will bear the brunt of load bearing as your dog rises from a seated or laying down position. Now range of motion exercises are not complicated at all. It involves you picking up the back leg, moving gently the leg back and forth, this exercises the hip joint. then you switch to a hold underneath the knee, and bend the knee back and forth, then to the ankle and the same movement. Try a dozen rep's at each joint. Ask the neuro, if there is also a compressive syndrome going on. Did they do a muscle biopsy to ddx the degenerative myleopathy? Has your boy had an MRI? Sorry for all the questions, but lots can be done. I wish you and your boy the best, and he can and will have many happy years left. Love __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

11-13-2010, 06:18 PM	#15
Ybba Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pa. and wherever my furkids are. Posts: 61	YorkieMalt What a wonderful, generous suggestion to have your daughter look for me and Kobi. My appt is Monday, Nov 15th at 11:30, University of PA, Mathew Ryan Vet Hospital. I do not know the name of the neurologist. I am a nurse, you would have thought I would have asked the question...I just am so upset about his symptoms. Please tell your daughter that I SO VERY MUCH appreciate the kindness...even if she can't be there just the offering says EVERYTHING.